Things you’ll find here: the full calendar of Polish holidays, celebration tips for expats and a quick dive into the history of important dates. Ready to jump in? Then, scroll down and check the list of all public holidays in Poland.
Full calendar of holidays in Poland in 2026
10 tips on holidays in Poland for expats
History of holidays in Poland
FAQ – Bank holidays in Poland
Full calendar of holidays in Poland in 2026
In 2026, there will be 14 public holidays in Poland.
Calendar of holidays in Poland
| Dates | Polish national holidays | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January 1st | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| January 6th | Epiphany | Tuesday |
| April 5th | Easter Sunday | Sunday |
| April 6th | Easter Monday | Monday |
| May 1st | Labour Day | Friday |
| May 3d | Constitution Day | Sunday |
| May 24th | Whit Sunday | Sunday |
| June 4th | Corpus Christi | Thursday |
| August 15th | Assumption of Mary | Saturday |
| November 1st | All Saints' Day | Sunday |
| November 11th | Independence Day | Wednesday |
| December 24th | Christmas Eve | Thursday |
| December 25th | Christmas Day | Friday |
| December 26th | Second Day of Christmas | Saturday |
Save them to your calendar and share with friends and family – knowing the dates of bank holidays in Poland is a must for everyone who lives in the country. And it’s not only about the dates. Expats are often confused with all the rules and changes happening during the celebration, so now we'll break down some of the most important things to know.
10 tips on holidays in Poland for expats
If a holiday falls on a Saturday…
Employers must provide an extra day off for workers in the same pay period. Usually, the company sets the date, but the employee's opinion matters, too.
If a holiday falls on a Sunday…
There won’t be any extra days off or compensation. Technically, holidays in Poland are still celebrated on Sundays, but for workers and students, it feels like a loss. It also affects trip dates, so plan your travels carefully.
If I want to go shopping…
Do it in advance – most shops and malls are closed on national holidays in Poland. Buy food, gifts, clothes and anything you may need for a proper celebration a couple of days beforehand. Some small local stores may be open, but most owners need rest, too.
If I don’t have a car…
Check the public transportation schedule in advance. Since most workers have a day off, intervals are longer on bank holidays in Poland. Taxis are running around cities, but prices may skyrocket, and waiting times tend to increase.
If I want to dine out…
Book a table in advance, because restaurants and cafes are packed with visitors during public holidays in Poland. Or, if you love adventures, you can explore the city centre and try to find a free spot.
If I want a long weekend…
You can request paid time off before or after Polish national holidays. By linking them to each other, you’ll get an extended weekend. However, you’re not the only smart person in the company, so request leave before your colleagues take all the sweet spots.
If I work in an international team…
Double-check your schedule. Upcoming holidays in Poland may not align with your colleagues' calendars abroad, which can impact meetings, deadlines, and response times. Always notify your teammates about your absence to avoid conflicts and delays.
If I want to avoid crowds…
Plan activities outside city centres. Parks, nature spots, and smaller towns are usually less crowded and offer a more relaxed way to enjoy the day off. Staying at home and having a relaxing day with friends and family is also a common way to spend public holidays in Poland.
If I plan to travel within Poland…
Book tickets early. Trains and buses fill up fast around national holidays in Poland, especially on routes to popular destinations. Last-minute options are often limited or more expensive.
In case you want to explore destinations beyond Poland, check these top-10 famous landmarks and places to visit.
If I have to send money home…
You can’t rely on banks since they often don’t operate during holidays in Poland. Luckily, there’s another way of transferring gifts to your loved ones – Profee. This online service allows you to send money to over 90 destinations at high speed and competitive rates. Fully digital and secure.
Tips: Your complete BLIK guide.
These were the ten most helpful pieces of advice for expats. With a bit of research, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and feel more like a local. By the way, knowing some history behind holidays helps you adapt to a new culture, too!
History of holidays in Poland
It’s not a history lesson, so we won’t bore you with pages of random facts and dates. Instead, we’ll quickly describe what each celebration means, so you know its background and feel closer to Polish culture.
New Year
The New Year is called Nowy Rok and marks the beginning of a new cycle. Parties, balls and celebrations became a part of Polish culture only in the 19th century. Since then, every New Year’s Day is marked with fun gatherings and joyful customs.
Epiphany
Epiphany, or Święto Trzech Króli, is one of the religious public holidays in Poland. It’s rooted in Christian tradition and celebrates the day when Three Wise Men arrived to worship Jesus Christ with presents: myrrh, incense and gold.
Easter Sunday and Monday
Easter is among the most important and major holidays in Poland. As a religious date, it praises the resurrection of Jesus with people attending masses and visiting churches to pray during Easter week. However, it's also a holiday that welcomes spring – with laughter, egg hunts, water splashing, and family gatherings.
Labour Day
Labour Day (Święto Pracy) was first celebrated at the end of the 19th century as a tool of bringing attention to the rights of workers. Nowadays, it’s an opportunity for employees to get an extra day off and spend time on what really matters – health, loved ones and proper rest.
Constitution Day
A patriotic celebration commemorating a declaration of the Constitution in 1791. It’s a symbol of freedom and pride, which Poles take very personally. On this day, cities’ streets are filled with parades, flags, cultural events and families’ outings.
Whit Sunday
A religious holiday, marking the Holy Spirit's descent (Zeslanie Ducha Swietego) upon Jesus' disciples. Homes and streets are decorated with greenery, and many locals visit parades and church services.
Corpus Christi
A Catholic feast celebrating the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. On this day, you may witness huge and colourful processions taking place all over the country. It’s also a day of folk costumes and flowers – get ready to immerse yourself in the culture.
Assumption of Mary
They have three religious holidays in a row in Poland. This one honours the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into Heaven. Church services, herbs and flowers are what make this holiday special. You might also come across some harvest festivals featuring folk music, dances, and customs, for example, the Matki Boskiej Zielnej festival.
All Saints' Day
This holiday is rooted in the pagan tradition of Dziady (Forefathers). Back in the day, people believed that during this time of the year, the souls of forefathers visit their family members. Nowadays, people often bring candles and flowers to the graves of their relatives to pay their respects.
Don’t confuse it with Halloween, which is celebrated separately and isn’t a public holiday in Europe.
Independence Day
Similarly to Constitution Day, it’s a very patriotic celebration, commemorating the recovery of a sovereign state by the Poles in 1918. You’ll get to experience parades, concerts, community gatherings with traditional food and much more. For foreigners, it’s a great chance to feel like a part of the local society.
Christmas
The most well-known and popular public holiday in Poland. It has pagan roots but was Christianised after the country converted to Catholicism. Still, Polish Christmas customs are a mix of older Slavic and religious traditions. This day is one of the happiest in the year – people give presents to each other, streets are shiny, and markets are busy.
Explore our Christmas ideas:
FAQ – Bank holidays in Poland
How many public holidays will be in Poland in 2026?
14 holidays.
What is the biggest holiday in Poland?
Easter and Christmas are two of the most celebrated holidays.
How long is Christmas in Poland?
3 days. From December 24th to December 26th.
What is Santa Claus called in Poland?
On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day (Mikołajki), Święty Mikołaj brings small presents, usually tucked into shoes or placed under pillows – sometimes with a little twig if someone’s been naughty. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, presents may come from different visitors depending on the region, such as Gwiazdor (the Starman), Aniołek (the Angel), or Dzieciątko (the Baby Jesus).
What to do in Poland during Easter?
Here are a few simple things to do in Poland during Easter:
- See Easter palms on Palm Sunday, especially in smaller towns.
- Experience Święconka: watch locals bless Easter food baskets on Holy Saturday.
- Enjoy Easter food like żurek, eggs, and mazurek cake.
- Celebrate Śmigus-Dyngus on Easter Monday – expect playful water splashing.
- Take a spring walk as cities and parks come back to life.
